Brisbane Turf Club pushing for better coverage of Queensland racing on Sky

RACING NSW boss Peter V’landys insists there is no intent from south of the border to dilute Queensland’s racing coverage despite increasing angst over a perceived snub from broadcaster Sky.

Anger has been growing since last year’s winter carnival over the coverage afforded Queensland racing, in particular on Sky Thoroughbred Central, where there is inconsistency in the length and number of pre and post-race interviews.

Brisbane Racing Club chairman Neville Bell believes new ways need to be looked at to promote local racing. Bell was seen in discussion with Racing.com chief executive Scott Perrin at Caulfield last Saturday.

“It was a casual conversation about alternative ways of promoting Queensland racing,” Bell said. “The BRC is very frustrated with the manner in which Sky is promoting our racing product.

“We have been in dialogue with Sky for many months, dating back to last year’s carnival. There have been periods of improvement where Saturday metro racing has been showcased better and we have noticed an uplift in turnover on those days.

“We would like that to be more consistent.’’

Queensland still has more than four years to run on its 10-year contract with Sky, which is held by Racing Queensland on behalf of all clubs.

“I believe we have strong grounds to query the performance criteria set out in the contract,’’ Bell said. “I have a responsibility to have BRC product promoted in the best possible light and at the moment that is not occurring.’’

Bell and many others feel Queensland has suffered since NSW signed its long-term agreement with Sky after the demise of TVN.

V’landys said RNSW wanted Queensland to prosper and said any perception of Queensland racing being undersold was wrong.